The Poor farm is long gone - the photo above is wha'ts left of the Superintendents Home.

In 1851 the Henderson County Court elected A.S. Johnson, Stephen Massengill and J.S. Priddy commissioners to see that destitute county residents would be provided with food, clothing and lodging. The commissioners purchased from Absalom McGee 274 3/4 acres located three and a half miles south of Lexington for the sum of $900. This tract of land was part of an original land grant deed owned by Solomon West. Two log houses with two rooms each were constructed to provide houses for paupers.

The keeper, or steward, of the Poor Farm was permitted free use of the land, housing and the sum of $5 for each pauper per month for support and maintenance. People were admitted to the farm by an order signed by at least one of the commissioners. Accomodations were average, with plenty of food, clothing and comfortable beds. There is no record of those who served as stewards prior to 1861; however, Thomas A. Smith reportedly received $69.83 as his support payment as steward for the first quarter of that year. Later the title was changed to Superintendent.

An insane asylum was built near Nashville in 1849, but this was too far away to benefit the county residents. Consquently, the poor farm facilities as well as other selected facilities for individuals wer used to accomodate those in need of care.

Excerpt from the book - Henderson County by G. Tillman Stewart